Finnish firms team up to trial insect-fed trout

Four Finnish companies are partnering to bring rainbow trout fed with an insect ingredient to the country’s markets.

A trial batch of approximately 150 tonnes of rainbow trout will be fed with the new feed, which contains 3 to 4% insect ingredient. The fish will be available to consumers in winter 2024-2025.

The collaboration involves fish distributor Kalavapriikki, trout farmer Kalankasvatus Vääräniemi, feed producer Alltech Fennoaqua and insect ingredient producer Volare, which farms black soldier fly (BSF).

Volare farms BSF at its Hyvinkää pilot facility, producing high-quality protein meal, and Alltech Fennoaqua manufactures the feed at its Raisio factory.

Just the first step

Initially, the insect meal inclusion rate is limited to facilitate testing in a real-world commercial setting. “We are renewing the industry step by step through strong partnerships across the value chain. This is just the first step with significant future potential,” said Tomi Kantola, chief executive at Alltech Fennoaqua.

Volare produces BSF larvae meal by upcycling food industry side streams. “Insects are a part of rainbow trout’s natural diet and have significant environmental benefits over conventional feed ingredients. The company’s chief commercial officer, Jarna Hyvönen, said Volare has a unique approach to production, with significant energy savings, non-fossil production and zero waste.

Jari Korhonen, chief executive of distributor Kalavapriikki, said: “Our customers want tangible sustainability actions. We have learned that the best concrete steps forward include many parties in the value chain - no one can do this alone. It is really inspiring to work with Vääräniemi and Fennoaqua, with whom we are continually re-inventing the fish industry in Finland to serve our customers even better.”